Psych Series #4

Psych Series #4: Bipolar Disorder

"Someone call the doctor
Got a case of a love bi-polar
Stuck on a roller coaster
Can't get off this ride...

...Cause you're hot then you're cold
You're yes then you're no
You're in then you're out
You're up then you're down"
~Hot 'N Cold - Katy Perry

Bipolar disorder is also known as Manic-Depressive illness. It is a brain disorder involving unusual shifts in a person's moods, energy, and ability to function. Unlike "normal" ups and downs, symptoms associated with bipolar disorder are severe. Symptoms of bipolar disorder typically develop in late adolescence or early adulthood. There have been reports of some individuals developing symptoms during childhood or later in life.

Signs & Symptoms: This disorder causes dramatic mood swings - overly "high" or irritable to sad and hopeless, then back again, with periods of "normal" moods in between. The periods of highs and lows are known as "episodes" of mania and depression.

Manic Episode Symptoms:

• Increased energy, activity and restlessness

• Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood

• Extreme irritability

• Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another

• Distractibility, can't concentrate well
  
  
• Decreased need for sleep

• Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers (feeling of invincibility)

• Poor judgment

• Increased sexual drive

• Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications

• Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior

• Denial that anything is wrong

A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer.

Depressive Episode Symptoms:

• Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood

• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex

• Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being "slowed down."

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

• Restlessness or irritability

• Sleeping too much, or can't sleep

• Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain

• Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury

• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

A depressive episode is diagnosed if five or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of 2 weeks or longer.

Treatments:

• Medications - generally medications known as "mood stabilizers" are used for bipolar disorder.
• Examples: Lithium, Depakote, Tegretol (Carbamazepine), Lamictal, Neurontin (Gabapentin), Topamax
• Medications for Bipolar Depression - antidepressants and atypical antipsychotic medications are often used with the previously mentioned mood stabilizers to decrease rapid "cycling" from mania to depression.
• Examples: Clozapine, Geodon, Zyprexa, Risperdal, Seroquel, Abilify, Klonopin, Ativan, Ambien
• Psychotherapy

If you or a loved one needs help managing Bipolar disorder, contact your local hospital or psychiatric health provider. Other mental health providers include psychologists, psychiatric social workers, psychiatric nurses, and mental health counselors.

Wishing you health & happiness!

Totoro - Defined

As any of my true stalkers know, I have some randomly named pets. Today I shall share with you the history of Totoro's name.

The name Totoro comes from the creative imaginings of Hayao Miyazaki and his movie "My Neighbor Totoro." In the movie, a totoro is a large creature who appears to be a combination of raccoons, cats & owls. He is basically a large "spirit of the forest." Other "non-human" characters in this film include Catbus, dust bunnies, and smaller Totoros.

When I adopted my Totoro, he spent many days and nights camped out under the bed, earning him the title "king of the dust bunnies" or "dust monster/spirit." It was only natural that he would come to be named Totoro, given his affinity toward dark places inhabited by dust bunnies and his striking resemblance to the main character in a favorite movie!

And now you know the short, sweet story of Totoro!

More Anime Characters

Introducing Chococat! Chococat is a friend of Hello Kitty and was created by the Japanese corporation Sanrio. I dig him because he reminds me of my real life black kitty, Ryoko!

Peace & Love!

Ever Wondered...

Why there are laws requiring a person to obtain a license to drive, fish, hunt, or sell random home-made art on a street corner...but there are no laws requiring any type of testing or licensing to create a new life (read: make a baby)!

Ok, I know, I know...human rights and all. But, shouldn't a kid have the right to good parents and a decent life? From the "Pro-life" standpoint, a fetus becomes a human life at conception. Therefore, human rights would come into effect at conception, giving an unborn child universal human rights. Right?

Perhaps humankind was created in all it's complexity before stupidity and evil were fully realized. Thus, most people have to ability to reproduce, but many lack the discretion. For example, a chronic meth abuser may have the right equipment to create a new life, but lacks the common sense that meth and babies really don't mesh well. Or, maybe you are a 16 year old girl who thinks that having a baby will make your boyfriend love you more...but realize too late that this isn't the case.

Either way, isn't a human life a little more fragile & valuable than a car or some home-made art? Perhaps instead of spending all the money we do on welfare, foster homes, counseling, and prisons we should put a little toward creating a licensing system for future parents. Perhaps some kind of clip surgically placed on all male infants' vas deferens, preventing the release of sperm until said clips could be removed surgically later in life. In order to have the clips removed, the male would have to pass testing and licensing procedures, maybe have to pay a little bit for the procedure to prove he really wanted to create a baby. I have yet to decide on a fail-safe mode of protection for women. But, hey it would be a start. I can see the teen pregnancy rates dropping already.

Anyway, just a thought... Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Just Be...

How true is this statement?! I'm sure everyone, at some point in life, has realized that it truly is better to live life for oneself than to try to live it the way someone else thinks you "should." And isn't life so much more fulfilling once you realize that? Over the years I have observed my parents come to this realization and have been able to observe the positive changes it has brought about.

While growing up, I was always told..."this is how we live, this is how you should be." But why? Whose rules are those? These questions were usually answered with something like "because" or "that's the way it's always been" or something similarly vague.

As a teen, I watched probably the most hilarious ceremony ever. My sister (who had just moved back from college) had stashed some beer in the 'fridge. Now, mind you, my family had been rather conservative regarding alcohol, smoking, etc. Prior to this, the only alcohol I think we ever kept in our house was for a science experiment when my sis and I were in elementary school. And even then, my parents had received the champagne as a gift for allowing a guy to land a hot air balloon in the front field! So, anyway, my sister had stashed the booze in the veggie crisper in an attempt to keep it from prying eyes. But, alas, the beer was discovered and to her shock & horror, my parents...in a display of parenting "the right way," made her pour every drop down the drain. (Because this was how it had always been. No alcohol in the house!)

And then came the life-changing phone call. It was the week of my 21st birthday, I was trying to decide what I wanted to do to celebrate, when the phone rang. I answered and the voice on the other end asked, "Hey, do you want to go out for margaritas on your birthday? We thought it would be fun!" What?! Who is this?! And, what have you done with my real parents???!!! Yes, it was my mother, the same one who stood by during the beer incident...asking if I wanted to go out for ALCOHOL on my birthday!

It was at that moment that I realized things didn't always have to continue to be "the way it's always been." Life changes, circumstances change, people change. It was that small moment in time that I began to see my parents in a different light. I think it was in this brief moment that they too began to see themselves in a different light. After many changes in life circumstances, I think they began to really question who they were really living for. Whose standards were they really trying to live up to, and were those standards really attainable?

And now when I go to visit them, I notice the occasional alcoholic beverage in the 'fridge or freezer. I notice the changes in behaviors. I notice the acceptance, the happiness, and the ease in which they live their daily lives. And, from that I realize that it is so much better to take the chance of being hated for who you are in reality, than to put up a facade and be loved for being fake.

So, take the time to ask yourself...who am I and who am I living for? If you can't answer either of those questions quickly and honestly...then perhaps it's about time you re-evaluate life and take a chance at being real. It just might make your day more fulfilling!

Peace, love, and happiness!

Love

Witty Kitty

Peek-A-Boo

...I see you!

Dedicated to all my loyal stalkers & fans. As Orwell said....Big Brother is always watching.

Happy viewing & pseudo-voyeurism! See you soon!

Fun Times 007-style

We went out last night with my sister from another mister & brother-in-law for some Thai food and the new James Bond movie. I'm glad the feeling has finally made it back into my lips. I'm pretty sure the "level 2" curry that I ordered was a tad higher than just a "2". The new Bond film was pretty good. Of course, lots of action, some sexy characters, and David Craig. Now, mind you...I'm not one for blue eyes, but he does have a striking gaze!

After the flick was over, we decided to go play some shuffle board at a local bar. I know, I know...you're thinking of little old raisins on the deck of a cruise ship shuffle board...but this is a little different. More like dive bar table-top shuffle board, with small weighted metal discs. Much more fun than the raisin version. Plus, there is always plenty of entertaining people-watching to do in a dive bar. Such as the obvious bar regular at the end of the bar attempting to start a fight with my honey about hockey, only to be best buds with him a few minutes later. (Note: This guy also had a "missing" poster hung on a bulletin board). Or perhaps another great example was the couple who obviously couldn't head back to the trailer park, so proceeded to get it on in the corner of the bar! The female was later spotted macking on some other (younger) guys at the bar...which thoroughly displeased her former make-out partner. He eventually tried to start a very drunken fight outside, but gave up once the bartender walked out there. (The couple eventually hopped in a cab, with the rest of their friends, & headed home together.) The evening closed up after the cops showed up with Parole officers and wandered through the bar in search of someone.

On a side note, we did have to make a quick stop at a local grocery store to share the joy of discounted Christmas candies with the in-laws. Apparently, our nephew had his first taste of Hershey's Cherry Cordial Kisses after receiving some at school this winter. He has since been begging his mom to buy more and, alas, she has been unable to hunt any down. But we were in luck last night, as there were plenty to pick up at 75% off!!! So, Jeff snagged 15 bags of the tasty snacks along with some discounted Christmas lights and gift tags. All in all, Jeff saved $92!!!! Amazing! I love sales! Yay for candy!

All in all, it was an entertaining night!

A Joyous Day!

What a glorious day! A few days ago, my honey surprised me with some much craved Candy Cane Kisses from Hershey's. These tasty treats are only available during the Christmas season and this year I didn't get to the stores in time to stock up before all the sales were done. But, alas....he was able to snag some while truckin' it to Sun Valley earlier in the week. Ah...sweet, little candy cane treats.

Then, yesterday, we happened to stop by a local grocery store and what might I have stumbled across?! That's right! A whole aisle full of Christmas goodies piled randomly in shopping carts. And with our good luck...we found MORE candy cane kisses. So, of course, I had to stock up.

So, now, I think this household will be good to go for the next 11 months til Hershey's starts sending out the next batch of tasty candy cane kisses. Mmmmmmm...

Wishing you peace, love, happiness....and tasty treats!

Psych Series #3

#3: Meth-Induced Mood Disorders

Methamphetamine (Meth) is a drug that affects the central nervous system. As a Schedule II stimulant, this drug has a high potential for abuse. In the past, it was available only through a prescription. Its medical uses are limited and doses prescribed are much lower than those typically abused. Much of the current meth available now comes from foreign or domestic superlabs or small, illegal labs where production endangers the people in the labs, neighbors, and the environment.

Also known as crank, crystal, speed, or ice, methamphetamine was initially used in nasal decongestants and inhalers. Meth gained popularity when it was used in World War II to increase endurance for pilots on long missions. Later, meth was used in the US for weight control and as a treatment for depression. Now, meth is primarily used and abused in order to reach a level of alertness, euphoria, and sense of well-being lasting longer than effects from cocaine.

But there is definitely a dark and dirty down-side of meth use and abuse, the side most dealers don't elaborate on for first-time users. Long term effects of meth use can be devastating to individuals, families, and communities. One topic I would like to share today is meth-induced mood disorders.

According to A Clinician's Guide to Methamphetamines meth has been "associated with myriad psychiatric symptoms." These symptoms include depression, suicidal ideation, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, psychotic reactions, panic disorders, and violent behavior. Meth use has also been associated with psychotic disorders, intoxication delirium, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, and sexual dysfunction. As with other substance abuse disorders, meth use may make it difficult to distinguish drug-induced psychiatric symptoms from a preexisting psychiatric condition.

With my recent job change, I have met many people with the diagnosis of "meth-induced mood disorder" which prompted me to do a little research into the definition.

"Methamphetamine-induced mood disorder is characterized by a prominent and persistent disturbance in mood, which has developed during or within one month of methamphetamine intoxication or withdrawal."

Characteristics of this mood disorder can include depression, irritability, elevated or expansive mood or markedly diminished interest or pleasure in most activities. Often times it is difficult to distinguish between a meth-induced disorder and a primary mood disorder, as they may have the same characteristics. Meth use may also aggravate a preexisting mood disorder.

Research continues into the best approach for treating this disorder. At this time, most treatments are geared toward symptom management. Anti-depressants, dopamine receptor antagonists (Haldol), and dopamine agonists have been used recently in pharmacotherapy (or management with medication) for this complex patient population.

Meth is a very addictive and destructive drug. If you still question it's destructive abilities, please visit any of the following websites:
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/photos/gallery.ssf?cgi-bin/view_gallery.cgi/olive/view_gallery.ata?g_id=2927

http://www.mappsd.org/Faces%20of%20Meth.htm
(note the length of use dates at the bottom of the pics)

And perhaps the most frightening:
http://www.mappsd.org/Progression.htm

Wishing you all health and happiness out there!

Busy, Busy...

Thanks for your patience...post updates are on their way. Life has been super busy this week - wacky work schedules & sleep needs have been a little higher on the priority list. But, don't despair...I've got some great stuff coming soon! Check back often!

~Peace & Love

Words from Buddha

"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.
Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many.
Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books.
Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.
Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations.
But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it."
~Buddha

Hap..Hap..Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2009! What a wacky, crazy, fun year 2008 was! We had road-trips, a wedding, new family members, new boyfriends to meet, figure skating competitions to attend, new jobs, concert adventures, and fun celebrations.

I can't wait to see what adventures & experiences this new year has to offer! I hope it brings joyful times to everyone out there!

Wishing you all peace & love, health & happiness in the new year!!!!!